This round started differently, allowing for the contestants to head in before the actual round began. When the buzzer did signal the start, everyone waited for a sighting of a contestant. The setting was a small mountain environment, allowing for several caves and plants to hide behind.
The first sign that there was life was a bright red beam that shot out from behind a large rock blocking the view. However, the suspense was short lived, as a burst of yellow and blue light were suddenly clashing far above the fake clouds.
They were exchanging blows, and only now did the group take in the changes that Robin had mentioned. The large black wings allowed the once human to stay airborne, and the served him well. He created gusts to set the Kryptonian off balance to make him an easier target.
However, Superman wasn't just letting himself get pushed around. His heat vision and his freezing breath constantly messed with the temperature, causing Bruce to feel dizzy and sick.
It seemed as if this would go on forever, but suddenly, Bruce got a lucky hit. Superman started falling, and the Bat raced after him. He started beating the Man of Steel up, throwing him into rocks and dropping him over spires.
It seemed as if Clark had lost the will to fight, so Batman dropped him off on the large round slab in the middle of the field. He started to walk away when Clark's eyes opened. He growled, angry at Bruce. Suddenly, Clark's ring glowed, and there was soon a giant construct of Superman, glowing in an all blue glory.
The bat seemed surprised, but started flying to evade the now enormous Kryptonian. Clark started to swing at what was the bat that looked like a bug. Everyone was in awe, and soon enough, as everyone expected, he landed a hit on Batman. The yellow covered being started falling and crashed into the ground. A small crater was made.
Clark realized what he had done, and quickly shrunk back to his original size. He ran over to where his friend had fallen, and was horrified to see the Batman bruised and bloodied. It was all the broken body could do to speak.
"I'm...going...to...die...because...of...you..."
He continued to cough blood, and Clark started to freak out. He looked at the Batman, pleading for him to stay alive. Suddenly, he heard the man flatline, and Clark started to screech.
"Help! Somebody! Help him! He's dying!"
He continued to cry out hysterically. However, he didn't notice a small thumping noise in the background. He was absolutely consumed with grief.
That small thumping noise, however, made it's way behind the man. Clark began to wonder where the medics were, and continued to stare and yell at the body. It was too late by the time he turned around.
Suddenly, there was a sharp pain to the back of his head, and all Clark could see was black. A large dark figure protruded his vision, and the hero just snarled.
"You tricked me..."
The black figure simply stared as the Kryptonian faded away.
Suddenly, the buzzer went off, and Clark was marked unconscious. Bruce quickly disappeared, and the medics grabbed Superman. The Justice League watched in defeat.
"How did he knock Clark out?!" Diana said in astonishment.
Hawkwoman looked just about as angry as she did. Barry ran down to the med lab and back. "It seems that Batman somehow made a numbing agent with that yellow light. After continuously smashing him into those spires, he must've created a tiny break in Clark's skin behind the neck. All he needed to do was distract Clark, and then administer it. Clark should be fine. They said he'd wake up before the next match."
Everyone sighed in relief. Then, they sat in silence. It was a few minutes until someone spoke again. "What happens if Hal loses?"
"He won't."
Everyone turned to see Clark, who was looking quite upset. "That cheating little Bat! How did he even find venom? That can't be possible! And besides, he can't cut my skin unless he has kryptonite! I wanna know exactly how he did what he did!"
Guy spluttered. "They aren't allowed to bring any weapon besides the ring. He couldn't have brought any kryptonite in if he would've tried. The Guardians would've confiscated it."
That's when J'onn piped in. "I wonder if it was a mental scratch rather than physical."
Everyone looked at the Martian skeptically.
"What do ya mean, J'onn?" Clark asked.
The Martian looked back at the field, and shook his head. "I believe that Batman is using his yellow ring to create non-physical scenarios based upon our greatest fears and insecurities. He is some how using the energy to reach into our psych and make them seem real to his victim. As with you, Clark, he pushed the impression that you abused your power and accidently killed one of your colleagues. As soon as you gave into the fear that he might be dead, he created a small entrance into your mind which allowed him to infiltrate your mind and shut you down."
Clark looked upset at the realization. He then growled, and turned away from the League and their partners. "How could he do this to us?!"
The small group became silent, most from surprise, a few from anger, and the remaining from agreement. Many of them were contemplating what he had said when J'onn spoke again, softer than before.
"Listen, Clark," J'onn set his hand on Superman's shoulders. The Man of Steel tensed, but he persisted. "Bruce is not doing this of his own accord. We only have Sinestro to blame for the current situation."
The reporter turned around, and pushed the telepath away. He then snarled. "Well I'm sure the almighty Batman could break free from the ring if he actually wanted to!"
That's when everyone looked at him in shock and disapproval. Suddenly, Clark realized what he had said, and before he could utter an apology, Robin had already pinned him down.
"He's almost died for you!"
Clark looked at him in awe and a bit of fear, but the bird kept him on the ground. He looked almost murderous. "Do you know how many times he's saved you?! How many times he's helped you?! Do you?! DO ANY OF YOU?!"
They all looked guilty at Robin's sudden outburst, but it wasn't over. Robin ripped a pouch open, and soon enough had a green, glowing dagger pointed at the alien. Clark gasped out of surprise, and knew he should do something fast or the Dark Squire might just do something all of them would regret.
"Robin..." Wally whispered nervously, worried that his best friend might just finish the Kryptonian off.
"I could do it..." He whispered, holding it next to Kal El's throat. "You have no idea the rage I've held for you for years. The fact that you were invincible, that you could go into battle without any scratches, make any mistakes or decisions as you wanted, and all you had to worry about is the little green rock I'm holding in my hand."
Everyone stayed silent, not exactly sure what to do, or what they could do. Robin continued. " You cannot wish to know the pain I went through every damn night wishing that Bruce could have that guarantee, that he would always come back. I have already lost my family once..."
He brought it close enough to Clark's throat to draw blood, and Clark let out a gasp and cringe of pain. Robin lowered himself to Clark's ear, and whispered.
"You can guarantee that if you wish to be his destruction that I will do everything in my power to end you before you even get close."
Clark looked at the bird, and could've bet that he saw some color behind the mask...it looked almost red. However, he didn't have time to think it over, as the bird suddenly vanished into the crowd. As soon as he was gone, several of the Young Justice members disappeared to look for him, and the remaining League members rushed to his side.
They were all preoccupied, so they didn't notice the faint red glow that was above them. There, in the rafters, hid three Lanterns.
"That should keep Hal preoccupied," The blonde one smirked. Atrocitus smiled widely, and Sinestro soon walked up to him as well.
"It seems as if everything will fall into place without the Justice League interfering," Sinestro said, amused.
Atrocitus laughed. "Hey, can I have the kid? His rage was pretty impressive. He'd make a good Red Lantern."
Sinestro waved his hand. "I could honestly care less what happens to the rest of them. I have gathered my prize. The rest you can use."
The Yellow Lantern started to float away, and then turned around at the last second. "Good luck, Oliver, and do try not to lose. That will just put more pressure on our plans than I would like."
The archer smiled viciously, showing teeth that now looked more like fangs. "Oh, don't worry..."
"I have a special plan for my old friend..."